Lead Systems Engineer, Spacecraft

Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.

This range is provided by Lawrence Harvey. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

$/yr - $/yr

Direct message the job poster from Lawrence Harvey

We have partnered with a spacecraft company who has secured new investment and is rebuilding its space systems team.

The Role

Our client is looking for a Lead Systems Engineer to work on technical architecture. This role will focus on platform-level (non-payload) systems. It's a hands-on, cross-functional role where you’ll guide system design, and resolve complex engineering issues.

You’ll play a key role in defining how their systems come together, from high-level design and requirements management to integration, test, and launch. In addition to technical leadership, you'll help shape the culture of the engineering team through mentorship and process development.

Your Impact

• Architect the overall spacecraft system design and lead the evolution of subsystem interfaces and performance budgets.
• Oversee collaboration between subsystem leads, test engineers, manufacturing, and program stakeholders to maintain alignment on goals and schedules.
• Own the creation and maintenance of critical technical documentation, such as CONOPS, ICDs, and verification matrices.
• Manage system requirements from definition through verification, ensuring full traceability across the satellite lifecycle.
• Support and drive environmental and functional testing, including simulation of mission operations.
• Coordinate the integration of mechanical, electrical, thermal, power, and communications systems into a cohesive spacecraft platform.
• Lead system-level performance assessments, including thermal, power, mass, data throughput, and link budget analyses.
• Participate in launch prep and mission assurance planning.
• Identify technical and programmatic risks early, and work proactively to resolve them.

What You Bring

• 10+ years of experience in engineering or technical program roles, with a minimum of 3 years directly supporting satellite or spacecraft projects.
• At least 3 years leading multidisciplinary engineering teams through the development of complex space systems.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Skilled in systems modeling and analysis tools (e.g., STK, MATLAB, Python).
• Experience with design reviews, test campaigns, and integration processes for flight hardware.
• Bonus: experience in fast-paced environments such as startups or rapid prototyping programs.

*** Due to certain contracts, this client can only hire US Citizens or Green Card holders.

• Seniority level
  
  Mid-Senior level

• Employment type
  
  Full-time

• Industries Defense and Space Manufacturing and Space Research and Technology

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Lawrence Harvey by 2x

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Get notified when a new job is posted.

Denver, CO $58,406.40-$ 17 hours ago

Englewood, CO $72,400.00-$ 6 hours ago

Denver, CO $89,700.00-$ 2 weeks ago

Boulder, CO $-$ 1 week ago

Denver, CO $70,000.00-$80,000.00 2 weeks ago

Denver, CO $95,000.00-$ 2 months ago

Aurora, CO $95,023.30-$ 2 months ago

Boulder, CO $-$ 1 month ago

Denver, CO $90,000.00-$ 2 weeks ago

We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.